Yvonne Deniese James, 57, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Memorial services are pending.
Yvonne was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 2, 1968, to Paula Butts. She grew up in Des Moines, where she attended East High School. Following school, she went to the Job Corps where she earned her CNA. Yvonne later went to Iowa Barber College, where she earned her barber license. She was known as the East Side Legend for her neighborhood cookouts, hair braiding, and barber.
Yvonne loved to spend time with her family, cooking, baking, sewing, styling hair,
and was the jack of all trades.
Those left to cherish her loving memory are her husband, Miles Wilkerson; children Latrinda Brown, Lashae Brown, Kevin Brown Jr., and Ka'vonna (Derrell Johnson II) Brown; mother Paula Butts; brother Marques Robinson; grandchildren, Innosence Brown, Arthur Benson, Pricella Murguia, Trinity Murguia, and Derrell Johnson III; and sister Rachelle (Talbray Sr.) Jackson, aunt Margene (Daniel) Carter; uncle Clarence Butts; host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Betty Barber; grandfather, Red Barber; aunts, Sheila Weston and Vickie Jo Clarke; and mother-in-law, Velmaire
Wilderson.
Memorial contributions may be directed to her family. Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Yvonne and her family.
To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So, grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home.
Anon.